Written Answers Nos. 1672-1692
1672. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if his Department, its medical advisors or NPHET have given consideration to T cell immunity in the context of Covid-19; the tests available for measuring the level of individual T cell immunity; the way in which this might assist with dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1300/22]
View answerThe Department and the HSE continue to monitor all emerging evidence in relation to SARS-CoV-2, including as relates to testing modalities and approaches, in order to optimally inform the national pandemic response.
1673. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the position regarding recognition and registration of UK qualifications by CORU; if he is satisfied that CORU has the required resources to complete these processes in a timely fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1301/22]
View answerCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards There are two forms of application to CORU; applications for the recognition of qualifications received outside the State and applications for registration.
Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a qualification’s alignment with the standards of proficiency required in Ireland, and assessment of professional experience and lifelong learning where required. Where a health and social care professional qualifies outside the State and applies to register in Ireland, they must apply for the recognition of their qualification. EU/EEA applicants have the right to have their qualifications assessed in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (SI No 8 of 2017). Once a complete file has been submitted to CORU, i.e. one containing all of the required documentation, a decision must issue within four months.
CORU applies the processes available to EU/EEA applicants universally in the interests of equal treatment of all applicants. For this reason, there has been no change to the process for UK qualified applicants arising from the UK’s exit from the European Union.
I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU last year and raised the issue of timeframes for the recognition of qualifications and registration applications. Following our discussion, several measures have been initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes. My Department has supported CORU to introduce a number of initiatives including:
- Introduction of a dual registration process, allowing those applying for recognition of a qualification received outside the state to simultaneously initiate an application for registration.
- Introduction of an online application system
- Increased frequency of regulatory decision making (Registration Board meetings)
- Assignment of additional temporary staff resources
- Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions
- Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants
My Department will continue to support CORU in achieving its strategic vision and improving timeframes for all applicants into the future.
1674. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if a breakdown of the figures for CHO4 for each composite area within CHO4 for each section outlined in the reply will be provided. [1303/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1675. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the restrictions that are in place currently for those visiting public nursing homes; if there are plans to put in additional restrictions in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/22]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) provides a suite of public health guidance including in relation to visiting to long-term residential care facilities, which is reviewed and updated regularly. The HPSC has published updated guidance on visiting in long-term residential care: COVID-19: Normalising Visiting in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs). The most recent version came into effect on 10 January 2022.
The guidance emphasises the need to ensure visiting policy is based on risk assessment, which should take into account, among other things: the overall care needs, rights and wishes of residents, the level of vaccination of residents in the nursing home, the current incidence of COVID-19 in the surrounding community and the capacity of the nursing home to manage risks associated with visiting.
Broadly, the guidance provides for visiting as follows:
- From two weeks after the date when a high proportion (about 8 out of every 10 residents in the nursing home) are fully vaccinated (including booster vaccination) the minimum level of visiting should be 4 visits per week by up to 2 people at one time.
- In the absence of a high proportion of vaccine coverage of residents (as noted above) no less than 2 visits per week should be facilitated. The number of people participating in each visit should normally be 1 person unless there are specific circumstances that require that the visitor is supported by an additional person.
Where a nursing home is in the early stages of an outbreak, it may be necessary, on consultation with local Public Health, to defer indoor visits for a period. In such cases, nursing homes are encouraged to facilitate alternative forms of communication and engagement between residents and visitors. Restrictions to visiting should be justified by an up-to-date risk assessment and should be reviewed at least every 2 weeks. At all times visiting on compassionate grounds, which are outlined in the guidance, should be facilitated.
Outdoor visiting where safe distance can be maintained is low risk and can be facilitated at all times in line with public health advice.
The guidance also sets out a range of protections and safeguards that should be followed in order to manage risk. Visitors and nursing homes should continue to adhere to general public health advice and the necessary infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19. This includes mask wearing in communal areas, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and self-checks for symptoms of respiratory illness regardless of immunity or vaccination status. Visitors are required to show proof of immunity through previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination status in line with the guidance. Visitors are now recommended to self-test for COVID-19 antigen before a visit. However, nursing homes do not need to provide, perform, or request evidence of a visitor’s self-test for COVID-19 antigen.
1676. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the status of the 82 children with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus currently requiring urgent orthopaedic surgery and review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1313/22]
View answerI acknowledge that waiting times for many hospital procedures and appointments are unacceptably long. It is of particular regret that children can experience long waiting times for orthopaedic treatment, especially for time sensitive procedures, and I remain acutely aware of the impact that this has on children and their families. I remain committed to working to reduce waiting times for patients.
Children with a range of needs rely on the orthopaedic service of Children’s Health Ireland, for example children with Spina Bifida, hip deformity, and other orthopaedic needs. The complex patient needs of these children remains at the forefront of service provision.
My Department has been working with the HSE and Children’s Health Ireland to deliver improved paediatric orthopaedic services. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. This funding is recurring and has been provided in the base HSE allocation each year since 2018. The additional funding supported the recruitment of approximately 60 WTEs in 2018 and 2019 to enable the expansion of paediatric orthopaedic services. The posts relate to the multi-disciplinary team at diagnosis, pre-assessment, during surgery in theatre, and post operatively.
Children’s Health Ireland continue to examine new and innovative ways to improve access to orthopaedic services. “Cappagh Kids” at the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional theatre capacity for non-complex, age appropriate, orthopaedic procedures, freeing up much needed space at central CHI sites for children with complex, multi-disciplinary needs. Additional orthopaedic outpatient sessions are also now held at Cappagh, providing additional capacity to see and assess children on the outpatient waiting list.
In addition, a new fast-track orthopaedic pathway has been developed as part of outpatient reduction plans. Paediatric Active Clinical Triage has already been introduced for the longest waiters (over 12 months) on the paediatric outpatient list.
Improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) 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 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 my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
In relation to the 82 children referred to by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1677. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure services and treatment of children with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus are sufficient to their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1678. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the policy that is being put in place to deal with persons suffering symptoms of long-Covid; if specialist centres are being established; and if so, if there will be a centre for the northside of Dublin. [1315/22]
View answer1712. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health his plans to support persons with long Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1401/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1678 and 1712 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
1679. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to rectify the matter in relation to healthcare workers who have been unable to take their full entitlement of annual leave due to short-staffing issues or requested leave not being sanctioned by managers and who have had remaining leave at year end annulled with no permission to carry over leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1316/22]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1680. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence received (details supplied) in relation to Covid recovery certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1317/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, new EU rules will come into effect from 1 February 2022, with a new 9-month maximum validity period for EU Digital COVID Certificates based on a completed primary vaccination regime. Updated Digital COVID Certificates are being issued to those who have received an additional vaccine dose. It is important to note that the change from the 1 February is in relation to international travel, no decision has been taken in relation to vaccination certificates for domestic use. I can also confirm that the recovery certificate remains valid for 180 days after the day of the positive test result.
I am not aware of the HSE stating that natural immunity is lifelong as outlined in the details attached to this question. At the request of the NPHET, HIQA previously undertook a number of evidence reviews on the duration of immunity (protection from reinfection) following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the most recent of which was published in November 2021. At that time, HIQA advised that the then current national public health policy which assumed a period of protective immunity of nine months post-infection with SARS-CoV-2 should not be changed. This report is available here - www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/duration-protective-immunity-protection.
Public health guidance in relation to the assumed period of protective immunity has since been updated in the context of the emergence and significant rapid spread of the Omicron variant, to reflect emerging international evidence that the Omicron variant has increased capacity to evade immunity from past infection or vaccination with two vaccine doses as compared with previous variants. It has been estimated by some international studies that the protection against reinfection by Omicron afforded by past infection may be as low as 19%. This is reflected in new guidance for close contacts published by the Government last week.
A rolling summary of international evidence and guidance in relation to Omicron is being undertaken by HIQA and can be accessed here - www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/summaries-evidence-and-international-public.
1681. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the requirement for the showing of EU Digital COVID Certificate passes on entry into premises is likely to end; the evidence he has that they are working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1319/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware a COVID-19 pass, based on certification of vaccination or recovery, is required for indoor hospitality, cinemas, theatres, events, gyms, leisure centres (excluding access to swimming pools or standalone swimming pool facilities) and hotel bars and restaurants.
The current high level of COVID-19 infection poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet on 20 January to review the public health measures in place and will provide advice to the Government on the approach to managing the pandemic in the weeks and months ahead. Government keeps all measures under review on an ongoing basis.
1682. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO2 for each composite area within CHO2 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1323/22]
View answer1683. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO1 for each composite area within CHO1 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1324/22]
View answer1684. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO8 for each composite area within CHO8 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1325/22]
View answer1685. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO7 for each composite area within CHO7 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1326/22]
View answer1686. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO3 for each composite area within CHO3 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1327/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1682, 1683, 1684, 1685 and 1686 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1687. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO9 for each composite area within CHO9 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1328/22]
View answer1688. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO5 for each composite area within CHO5 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1329/22]
View answer1689. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 327 and 328 of 25 November 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for CHO6 for each composite area within CHO6 for each section outlined in the original reply. [1330/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1687, 1688 and 1689 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1690. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the available hours to access the HSE antigen online order form beyond the current 12 hours per day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1332/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1691. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when respite services at a location (details supplied) will open on a seven-day basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1335/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1692. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment for urgent orthopaedic surgery. [1336/22]
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.
