Written Answers Nos. 1735-1755
1735. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has examined changing non-consultant hospital doctor changeover and rotation requirements; if an analysis has been conducted on the effectiveness and comparative benefit of changeover and rotation; if so, the result of that analysis; if the CEO of the HSE has engaged with trainees or their union representatives to get their views; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1436/22]
View answerGiven its statutory functions relating to medical education and training, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to you on this matter.
1736. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will amend regulations relating to the EU Digital COVID Certificate to enable non-national residents of Ireland who received a complete vaccine schedule outside of the European Union to request a certificate as is currently permitted for Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1445/22]
View answer1808. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if persons who were vaccinated for Covid-19 in the United States of America and who do not hold an Irish passport will be eligible for an EU Digital COVID Certificate issued by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1736 and 1808 together.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document issued to help facilitate the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation allows for the issuing of certificates based on vaccination to citizens vaccinated in a third country provided that the issuing Member State has been provided with reliable proof of vaccination.
Ireland has developed an EU Digital COVID Certificate Third Country portal which is currently accessible to all eligible Irish passport holders vaccinated partially or completely outside of the EU. This portal is available at www.covidcertificateportal.gov.ie
This portal will accept applications from individuals who are 18 years of age and older, hold a valid Irish passport, and a reliable proof of vaccination for a vaccine type currently authorised for use in Ireland.
There are no plans to change the requirement of applicants to hold a valid Irish passport.
1737. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the action he has taken to address the severe staffing crisis in home support services in County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn the case of a person (details supplied) in which they cannot be discharged from a nursing home due to a lack of home support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1454/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible
1739. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1468/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1740. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the status of the process to register psychotherapists and counsellors pursuant to SI. No. 21 of 2019 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (Section 28A) (Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board Regulations) 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1469/22]
View answerThe Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act) provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training & competence through the statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act.
As you are aware, regulations under SI No. 170 of 2018 were made by my predecessor in 2018. The effect of these regulations is to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Act and to establish one registration board for both professions. Members were appointed to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board in February 2019 and they held their inaugural meeting in May 2019.
The work of a registration board includes consideration of the titles to be protected and the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and the qualifications that will be required for future graduates. The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards for some of the more established professions owing to the different and complex pathways into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers. This work is ongoing.
1741. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he has met with north inner-city community networks in Dublin regarding the North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force. [1517/22]
View answerThe Department has been notified of a recent email purporting to be from the North Inner City Task Force informing local services that the task force is no longer in a position to function. This follows the resignation of the outgoing chairperson and the impasse that has arisen regarding the appointment of a new independent chairperson.
The Department had sought to work with the task force leadership and membership to address a number of concerns regarding the functioning and governance of the task force. This includes a consensual agreement on the selection and appointment of an independent chairperson. However, it was not possible to resolve these concerns without the support of all parties.
The Department is continuing to work with stakeholders in the north inner city to establish effective, inclusive and transparent governance of the task force and of the significant funding that it oversees.
Officials are currently engaged in a consultation process with stakeholders and community organisations have been invited to participate in this process. I would ask for the support of the Deputy in this regard.
I expect to shortly receive a report on the consultation, which will inform the next steps in re-establishing the task force.
1742. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1555/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1743. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured that the terms of reference for the review of the abortion legislation will include matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/22]
View answerThe Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Under section 7 of the Act, a review of the operation of the Act must be initiated within three years of the commencement of the Act, i.e., before January 2022.
The review of the operation of the Act has now commenced. As part of the first phase of the review, the Minster has announced a public consultation (www.gov.ie/topreview) on the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. The public consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public, organisations, stakeholders, advocacy groups working in the area, and all other interested parties to inform the review of their views on the operation of the legislation.
I have previously stated that an independent Chair will be appointed to lead the review later this month, and I expect that the Chair will wish to have an input on the terms of reference. The terms of reference for the Chair are available on the Department of Health website.
The review will comprise a three-part approach to appraise the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Independent research commissioned to inform the service user and service provider strands will form key elements of the review.
Upon completion of the review, a full report with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me as Minister for consideration.
1744. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of a primary care centre (details supplied). [1569/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1745. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of all planned primary care centres currently under construction or subject to tender in each county in tabular form; and the services each centre will provide. [1570/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1747. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason schools have not been identified as significant sources of infection given that other European Union countries have found them to be so and have proceeded in their reopening on that basis; if he will publish the advice on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1576/22]
View answerThe Government has recognised the very significant impacts previous social and economic restrictions have had on families and children to date. A core priority of the Government throughout the pandemic has been to protect the continued operation of the education and childcare sector, in recognition of its importance to the health and development of children.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education is responsible for policy in relation to schools. The Deputy will also be aware of the decision to reopen schools after the Christmas break from 6 January, as planned, and the statement issued by the Minister for Education in this regard on 4 January 2022 (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f16b6-statement-following-meeting-between-minister-foley-and-education-stakeholders-today-4-january-2022/ ).
The Irish and international experience of the pandemic continues to give us reason to believe that schools are a lower risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19 and that the majority of children who are infected experience a mild form of this disease.
The Minister for Education and her officials have continually worked with representatives from public health in the HSE, to ensure that schools are a safe environment for children and teachers, and that face-to-face learning can continue for all our students. They met prior to the reopening of schools to review the COVID-19 mitigation measures in place in schools. Public health experts in the HSE remain of the view that these mitigation measures are effective and appropriate. Furthermore, public health officials advised that there was no public health rationale to delay the reopening of schools.
Schools should operate in line with their COVID-19 response plans, which set out a range of mitigation measures, including hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Schools have also been provided with guidance on maintaining good ventilation. Guidance for parents and students on ensuring that symptomatic students and household close contacts do not attend school has been issued through a communications campaign as well as directly through schools. Further to the meeting between the Minister for Education, the education stakeholders and public health officials from the HSE, clarifications and further information issued to schools from public health and the Department in advance of schools reopening. In addition, the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children aged 5-11 years will provide a further important layer of protection to ensure that our children can continue to engage in all of the activities that are so important for their health and wellbeing.
The evidence relating to COVID-19, and the actions deemed appropriate to mitigate the impact of the virus across the population, are kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Department of Health and by the Government. The measures in place will continue to be reviewed and adapted, as appropriate, to the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance.
1748. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when an alternative booster shot will be available for a very small cohort of persons who have been advised for medical reasons not to receive a further vaccine (details supplied) but instead another vaccine in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1582/22]
View answer1761. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a booster vaccine (details supplied) will be made available to persons who are medically vulnerable who had a myocarditis and pericarditis reaction to an mRNA vaccine, who are following the advice of a medical professional not to receive an mRNA booster and are currently on a waiting list for the booster. [1666/22]
View answer1816. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health when high-risk persons who have been recommended a booster (details supplied) due to a myocarditis and pericarditis reaction from the mRNA vaccine can expect to receive their booster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1933/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1748, 1761 and 1816 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee makes recommendations to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
The NIAC develops guidance for the use of vaccines in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland
The Immunisation Guidelines state that if there is a precaution to a booster mRNA vaccine, consideration can be given to boosting with an authorised non-mRNA vaccine following an individual benefit-risk assessment.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1749. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured that a service and a project (details supplied) will remain open; if these services will be provided with the necessary funding and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1587/22]
View answerCommunity drug projects in Tallaght – Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency (Jadd) and Community Action Response Programme (Carp) – are continuing to provide services, including crack cocaine services. HSE addiction services fund both projects under section 39 service level agreements, with a total allocation for community drug projects in Tallaght of €2m per annum. Jadd receives annual funding of €364,000, including an additional €70,000 since August 2021 to support clients attending HSE methadone treatment services. Carp receives annual funding of €170,000, including an additional €20,000 since quarter 4 of 2021 to provide services for women who use crack cocaine.
The projects in Tallaght are eligible to benefit from the €240,000 that has been allocated to Community Healthcare Dublin South West and Kildare as part of a new €2m fund to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services, as well as a new HSE-led initiative for communities affected by cocaine and crack cocaine.
Further information on the services is available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/856c8-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-welcomes-confirmation-tallaght-projects-continue-to-provide-drug-services/
II am a strong supporter of community services as they are accessible, flexible and responsive to local needs, and welcome assurances that both Jadd and Carp are continuing to provide vital services and supports for people in Tallaght.
1750. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when a group (details supplied) can expect a rescheduled date for a meeting given that the original date was over 12 months ago. [1608/22]
View answer1759. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a request for a meeting by an association (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1648/22]
View answer1774. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health when he will meet with an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1781/22]
View answer1786. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a date will be chosen in January 2022 to meet with an association (details supplied) given a planned meeting scheduled for 11 January 2021 was cancelled and the meeting has not been rescheduled to date. [1830/22]
View answer1828. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he cancelled a planned meeting on 11 January 2021 with an association (details supplied); if he suggested that he would arrange a new meeting date shortly thereafter; when the meeting will take place given that a year has passed since the commitment was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1961/22]
View answer1870. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied). [2164/22]
View answer1884. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a meeting with thalidomide survivors will be arranged as soon as possible in view of a previous meeting in January 2021 being cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2281/22]
View answer1885. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) without further delay; if he will provide a date for this meeting as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1750, 1759, 1774, 1786, 1828, 1870, 1884 and 1885 together.
The management of litigation against the State by certain acknowledged and unacknowledged thalidomide survivors has been delegated to the State Claims Agency by virtue of S.I. No 405 of 2013.
I am advised that the aforementioned litigation is being case-managed by a judge of the High Court and matters are currently at discovery stage. In those circumstances, given the sub judice fact of the litigation, I am advised that it would not be appropriate for me to meet pending the resolution of the litigation and the matters arising therefrom.
However, I am anxious to assure thalidomide survivors of the Governments ongoing commitment to provide them with the necessary supports to meet their related needs. I have directed my office to set up a meeting with survivors of thalidomide, strictly without prejudice to the ongoing litigation, where I will listen to their needs and talk with them about the work underway to provide health and personal social service supports on an ex-gratia basis on a statutory footing, as committed to by the Government. However, as outlined above, matters which are before the High Court will not form part of the agenda for discussion.
1751. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will update the long-term illness scheme to include amputees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1614/22]
View answerThe Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. The LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
The HSE provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community. Applications within Community Health Organisations (CHOs) are assessed by the local Resource Allocation Group and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available. At times, due to the demand for resources exceeding the available capacity, waiting lists may apply for some categories of items but CHOs undertake a range of initiatives to ensure optimum use of resources.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible clients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level. Counselling services for amputees are available through the POLAR service provided by the NRH and through the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
A HSE Primary Care led National Service Improvement Programme has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances. While this work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as the situation involving the pandemic improves, this Programme will gather pace.
1752. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the percentage spend from the mental health budget that is ring-fenced for transgender programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1616/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1753. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been paid to a company (details supplied) since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; the number of persons it has assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/22]
View answerThe Department of Health has not made any payments to this company since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
1754. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be issued to a person that is a resident and not an Irish citizen who received a booster shot in England over recent weeks; if difficulties in recognition can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1631/22]
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.
On the 28 October 2021 the UK was awarded and equivalence decision by the EU meaning that COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with the system entitled “UK COVID Certificates” shall, for the purpose of facilitating the right of free movement within the Union, be considered as equivalent to those issued in accordance with EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation.
As such, vaccination certificates issued in England, in accordance with the system entitled “UK COVID Certificates”, are now considered as equivalent to EU Digital COVID Certificates without having to apply through the Irish EU Digital COVID Certificate online portal.
