Written Answers Nos. 277-296
277. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); if the procedure will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2703/22]
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.
278. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of children that were awaiting assessment of needs in July of each of the years 2017 to 2021, by CHO area in tabular form. [2714/22]
View answer279. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of staff equipped and capable of carrying out assessment of needs across the HSE and or specialist services in July of each of the years 2017 to 2021, in each CHO area in tabular form. [2715/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
280. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the status of the new 50 bed St. Anthony’s Care of the Elderly facility on the campus of Tipperary University Hospital; when construction will commence; the estimated completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2722/22]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
281. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if there will be level 2 palliative care support beds provided in the new 50 bed St. Anthony’s Care of the elderly facility at Tipperary University Hospital; the number of level 2 palliative care support beds that will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2723/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
282. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if palliative care support beds planned for the new build St. Anthony’s Care of the Elderly facility at Tipperary University Hospital will be constructed to level 2 palliative care support bed standard as recommended in the 2001 report published by the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care, for example, level 2 palliative care bed will have adjoining family sleep and eat facilities to support each palliative care bedroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2724/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
283. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when the publication of numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases by local electoral area on Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub website will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2725/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
284. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when the publication of Covid-19 cases by local electoral area on Ireland's COVID-19 Data Hub will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2730/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
285. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for the State to provide comprehensive therapy and counselling services given the growing demand during and post-Covid-19 especially for persons who cannot afford to access therapy privately; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons on State payments are having to spend up to €100 per week on such services (details supplied); the steps he will take to address this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2741/22]
View answerAt the onset of the pandemic, the HSE responded rapidly by reconfiguring existing services and putting additional services and supports in place in order to respond to any rise in mental health service need. To adapt and improve accessibility, Mental Health Services and many of its funded NGO partners, successfully fast-tracked new digital health options including innovative online, text and phone supports. Telehealth services are now fully established and are provided as part of a blended service delivery, the majority of which are available seven days per week, with some providing 24-hour support. 7-day telehealth services include YourMentalHealth.ie, the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline 50808 and NGO partners’ online supports (details of each can be found on yourmentalhealth.ie).
The HSE recently partnered with SilverCloud, on the national roll out of digital cognitive behavioural therapy (links.uk.defend.egress.com/Warning?crId=615f0e0d8018f31fc6b588b9&Domain=health.gov.ie&Base64Url=eNo9ykEKgDAMBdETpQGX3ibi15SmpZhArm83up15GjF9Z87MraijVHDC7EAdN3eMECOFWCiH4pFZ4bRiW59knOSwawmb_NXfFY1uLxS6JQ4%3D) (CBT) to address depression and anxiety in Ireland in an effort to make mental health support more widely available. Referrals can be made from Primary Care Psychology, the National Counselling Service, Jigsaw and GPs across Ireland, enabling individuals, including young people to access essential supports within 24 hours of referral.
Last year I launched the Talking Therapies Model of Care, which is delivered by trained therapists. Talking Therapy helps people to better understand their feelings and behaviour in order to make positive changes and improve their lives. In Ireland, we currently offer a range of talking therapies to people experiencing mental health difficulties, in primary care, specialist services and through HSE partner organisations.
Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) continues to be available to adults with medical cards. In December, I announced a significant reduction of over 19% among children and young people under 18 waiting more than 12 months to be seen by Primary Care Psychology following an allocation of €4 million last August to address such lists through targeted initiatives. Work continues on the development of a sustainable Primary Care Psychology Service.
For young people specifically, the HSE continues to work with SpunOut.ie to provide engaging online mental health content and signposting. Jigsaw also has developed other offerings to support young people, notably through its Live Chat service.
Dedicated funding was allocated to respond to the challenges of Covid-19, including €2.2 million in 2020, €15 million in 2021 and a further €10 million as part of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead Plan. As part of this €10 million a number of initiatives have been identified and are being progressed by HSE Mental Health Services and NGO partners. These include enhanced signposting and access to existing mental health services, increased channels for signposting, increased provision for service delivery, psychosocial response planning at Community Healthcare Organisation level, and initiatives for children and young people of school age, at third level and in non-education settings.
An additional once off €10 million was announced on Budget Day to further support the mental health sector. A significant amount of the funding will be used to improve the experiences of people using HSE mental health inpatient units, day centres, community mental health teams and community residences in every community across the country. Almost €3 million will be made available to the community and voluntary sector, including €1 million to NGO partner MyMind. Through this funding, MyMind will continue to deliver free of charge counselling sessions, in over 15 languages, to clients impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to 16,500 counselling and psychotherapy sessions will be provided, via video or telephone call to individuals. Since 2020, with funding from the Slaintecare Integration Fund, MyMind has delivered over 21,000 appointments.
As part of this funding, Mental Health Ireland will manage a grant scheme on behalf of the Department, providing grants of between €10,000-€30,000 for the development and implementation of locally-led actions from community and voluntary agencies promoting mental health and wellbeing in the context of Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life.
In addition, the HSE is delivering whole population mental health and well-being services in response to Covid-19 based on the HSE Psychosocial Framework, which is reflective of best international practice. Launched in January 2021, the framework provides a clear plan to build on existing psychosocial supports to the public and healthcare workers, with a co-ordinated, consistent and collaborative approach to mental health services. Supports are provided across five key levels, from mental health promotion to specialist services, during and beyond Covid.
The Government has invested €7 million in the Keep Well campaign to support initiatives with a range of partners, including ‘Keeping In Contact’ and the Community Call programme aimed at people who might be experiencing isolation and offering befriending services.
More generally but significantly, all aspects of mental health services continue to be improved and developed, through implementation of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (StV). The policy aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
A negative mental health outcome from the pandemic is not inevitable, if we respond in a cohesive manner. Nevertheless, the Department and HSE continue to plan for any surge in demand as it arises, including through consultation with the community and voluntary sector.
As the HSE is responsible for delivering mental health services, I am referring this PQ to them for part answer to ensure a comprehensive account of therapy and counselling services being provided during and post-Covid-19.
286. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children that have been transferred from Children's Disability Network Team back to primary care on foot of assessments since April 2021, by age, CHO and LHO in tabular form and general categorisation for such a transfer back to primary care operations. [2743/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
287. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of recommendations arising from a report on vitamin D deficiency and Covid-19 submitted to his Department by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health. [2752/22]
View answerThe Joint Committee on Health 's Report on addressing Vitamin D Deficiency as a Public Health Measure has four recommendations and my Department is responsible for delivering on the first two recommendations.
Recommendation 1 is for daily Vitamin D supplements for the entire adult population. Current policy advice on vitamin D supplementation is aimed at three population groups; infants, 1-4 year old children and all adults 65 years and over. The new policy recommendation for adults 65 years and over was introduced in November 2020 and outlines the importance of vitamin D for bone and muscle health. It recommends that people aged 65 and older take a 15 micrograms (15g) vitamin D supplement every day to ensure they get the essential amount of vitamin D they need.
Recommendation 2 is regarding vitamin D supplementation of the entire population. My Department has requested the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to review the evidence on this and provide me with recommendations. This is the process used by my Department to ensure evidence- based advice. The report will be delivered in 2022.
Once the Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommendations are received, my Department will develop a public health policy to increase knowledge and encourage increased intake of Vitamin D through supplementation, if appropriate.
Recommendation 3 deals with the issue of reducing the cost of Vitamin D supplementation by reconsidering the current VAT rate applied. This is a matter for the Department of Finance.
Recommendation 4 requires that specific measures be put in place for frontline workers and is a matter for the HSE and my Department have referred this to HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. With regard to specific measures being put in place for vulnerable groups, especially nursing home residents, my Department has had discussions with the HSE Clinical Lead for Older People regarding implementing the vitamin D policy for adults aged 65 years and older in nursing homes.
288. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if there is a 24/7 palliative care service in CHO6 Wicklow and CHO7 west Wicklow; the level of care there is for families that are caring for their loved ones at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
289. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of palliative care teams and staff members in CHO6 and CHO7 at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
290. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will put measures in place to ensure that those under 40 years of age who have not received a Covid-19 third dose and have tested positive for Covid-19 with an antigen test will be able to access an updated EU Digital COVID Certificate that shows their status as having recovered from Covid-19; his views on whether not giving access to same will act as a disincentive for a cohort to register positive antigen tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2758/22]
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. The scope and details to be included in each Digital COVID Certificate has been agreed at EU level and is standardized across the EU to allow for complete interoperability.The EU Regulation specifies that a certificate of recovery confirms that, following a positive result of a NAAT test carried out by health professionals or by skilled testing personnel, the holder has recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antigen tests are not currently regulated for in relation to the issuing certificates of recovery. Certificates of Recovery can be issued upon request through the online portal following a positive COVID-19 test (RT-PCR or ‘NAAT’) taken more than 11 days ago in Ireland. The certificate will remain valid for 180 days after the day of the positive test result.
Negative RT-PCR tests and antigen tests featured in the common list established on the basis of Council Recommendation 2021/C 24/01 carried out by health professionals or by skilled testing personnel are eligible for the issuing of a Test Certificate under the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation. For more information on how to access a test certificate individuals can visit www.gov.ie/en/publication/3a698-eu-digital-covid-certificate/
291. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the GMS dentistry service is no longer available to medical card holders; if he plans to intervene in order to provide a service that is workable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2761/22]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTTS), which dates from the 1990s is available to medical card holders aged 16 and over. The dental care is provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the scheme. The Scheme covers a dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, prescriptions, denture repairs and extractions as necessary. Other more complex treatments such as the provision of dentures require the approval of the HSE before the dentist can proceed and in this case the dentist applies directly to the HSE.
There is a need to align the DTSS with best international evidence and practice, and legislation, as outlined in Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy. Regretfully, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the roll-out of the Policy to be delayed and the proposed review of the DTSS contract to be deferred.
It is regrettable that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the DTSS that provides care for medical card patients during the pandemic, which has led to difficulties for medical card patients in accessing dental care in some parts of the country. In such circumstances, I have been assured that the HSE Public Dental Service is seeking to provide emergency cover for any medical card patients who are experiencing such problems.
I have given a commitment to a substantive review of the DTSS, which will include fees paid to dentists. I have also acknowledged the immediate issues of concern with current arrangements under the Scheme.
My officials met with the Irish Dental Association in December to address both of these issues. It is the intention of my officials to hold further talks in Q1 of this year.
I would also wish to point out that I secured additional funding of €10 million in Budget 2022 to address immediate issues with the DTSS, which is on top of the annual allocation of €56 million for 2022.
292. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the community health activity presently being resourced on the University Hospital Waterford (UHW) campus; the reason these services cannot be moved away from the hospital campus to other community health service areas, thus making space for additional priority medical need at UHW given the requirement for capital development space at UHW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
293. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the new patient pathways that have been developed within the health community sector that allow for the decanting of non-urgent care patients from University Hospital Waterford; the planning that is ongoing to deliver such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
294. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an existing capital development of new cath lab at University Hospital Waterford which was to have a 12-bed allocation in support (details supplied); the steps being taken to secure such additional capital space adjacent to the new cath lab given that the cardiac bed allocation is a significant commitment of the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2768/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
295. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if a farmer who entered the farm retirement scheme 26 years ago is eligible under nursing home support scheme for the three-year cap for farm relief now that they have entered a nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2775/22]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law on 22 July, and became full operational on 20 October 2021. The goal of this amendment is to assist in protecting the viability and sustainability of family farms and family-run businesses.
The principal amendment introduced under the Act extended the three-year cap on contributions based on farm and business assets where an appointed family successor commits to working the productive asset for a period of 6 years. The legislation requires that, to be eligible for the 3-year cap, an asset owned by an applicant for the Scheme, or recently transferred to a family member, is a productive family asset that has been actively worked by the person going into care, their partner or their nominated family successor for 3 out of the 5 years prior to the person entering care.
The farm retirement scheme does not come under the remit of the Department of Health, and there is no specific provision related to the farm retirement scheme within the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Department and/or the HSE may be able to provide the Deputy with further information based on the receipt of details regarding a specific case.
296. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his policy on the utilisation of health data including big data and on biotechnology within the health sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2782/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
