Barry Cowen
Question:751. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment for orthopaedic surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4848/22]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (751)
Written answers
Under 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (752)
Réada Cronin
Question:752. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 bonus will be paid to frontline staff that worked through the pandemic and are now retired, retiring or otherwise planning to leave the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4849/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (753)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:753. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when funding will be provided for a chair for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4860/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Staff
Questions (754)
Catherine Murphy
Question:754. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the salary scale in respect of the position of Secretary General of his Department; the point at which the Secretary General is on; and if the Secretary General of his Department is in receipt of the full amount regarding the position on the scale they are on. [4861/22]
View answerWritten answers
Civil service payscales are approved and published as appropriate by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Secretary General is in receipt of the approved payscale for the post, which has one point only.
Building Momentum provides for an increase to all civil service payscales on 01 February 2022 under the Sectoral Bargaining provisions (Chapter 2) of the agreement. Reflecting this adjustment, the rate for the post of Secretary General in the Department of Health with effect from 01 February 2022 is €297,869 (PPC).
Vaccination Programme
Questions (755)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:755. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if 12 to 16 year olds will be eligible to receive a booster dose before their EU Digital COVID Certificates expire. [4862/22]
View answerWritten answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
The NIAC has recommended that a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) be offered to those aged 16 years and older with the rollout now underway. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (756)
Michael Ring
Question:756. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if the once-off €1,000 tax free payment to frontline workers will issue to frontline workers in section 39 disability service providers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4864/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
Transport Policy
Questions (757)
Colm Burke
Question:757. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when a transport support scheme to replace the removal of the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant will be introduced; the current status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4870/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government decided to close the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance administrative Schemes in 2013, on foot of the Ombudsman reports in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.
Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport has responsibility for the continued development of the availability of accessible public transport and is committed to this in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.
Work is continuing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities. Recent developments which will impact on the policy options include the following:
- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's review of active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;
- The Cost of Disability Study, commissioned by the Department of Social Protection, which will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs;
- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, which is now under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilities, Integration and Youth, to lead a review of all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities. The Working Group was reconvened on 26 January, 2022; and
- The Department of Finance's commitment to review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (758)
Catherine Connolly
Question:758. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services in Galway city and county by area; the number of children that have been waiting three, six, nine months, one year, 18 months and two years, respectively; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4873/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (759)
Bernard Durkan
Question:759. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when visitors to a person (details supplied) will be facilitated given recent announcements to lift a number of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4874/22]
View answerWritten answers
Guidance relating to visitor access in acute hospitals is developed by HSE AMRIC (Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control) and published on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website. This guidance is regularly reviewed and updated, with recent NPHET advice taken into account in guidance reviews.
As the review and implementation of visiting guidance is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Services
Questions (760)
Bernard Durkan
Question:760. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the cost of dialysis transport to the HSE for 2019, 2020 and 2021 for patients requiring access to this vital therapy; the breakdown of the cost by each hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4877/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (761)
Barry Cowen
Question:761. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person can expect an appointment for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital. [4878/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Services
Questions (762)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:762. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if posts have been filled for both the ophthalmologist and optician contracted by the HSE to deliver primary care services for children in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4879/22]
View answerWritten answers
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 (763)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:763. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the full details relating to the proposed appointment of an expert group to examine the handling of the pandemic; the way the process will work with specific regard to the need for in depth investigations into the tragic loss of life in nursing homes with over 2,400 deaths since the pandemic commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I, together with my colleague Minister Feighan, announced the establishment of an independent Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group on 25 January.
The Expert Group will initially focus on identifying learnings from the public health components of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland with a view towards strengthening health protection generally and future public health pandemic preparedness specifically. The Expert Group will also identify lessons from international best practice regarding reform and strengthening of other core public health functions, including the promotion of health and wellbeing, population health research and health intelligence and health service improvement.
The Group will produce a final report, which will be submitted to me by mid-2022.
The Group, which is chaired by Professor Hugh Brady, held its first meeting on 31 January. Membership of the Group is comprised of national and international experts with experience across a range of key domains, including public health, health protection, epidemiology, senior public health service leadership, change management, and risk and evidence communication. Further information on the Expert Group and details of its membership can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/8beb5-ministers-for-health-establish-the-public-health-reform-expert-advisory-group/
The independent COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort in nursing homes. This Expert Panel report, published in August 2020, has added further to our knowledge and learning. This report clearly outlines the key protective measures that we must ensure are in place across our nursing homes. These actions are based on learning from our own and the international experience of COVID-19 to date. In May 2021, HIQA and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) jointly published an “Analysis of factors associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes in Ireland”, delivering on recommendation 6.7 of the Expert Panel report, to further the learning from the pandemic. Further data analysis work and learning will also continue, in line with other recommendations of the Expert Panel and HIQA and the HPSC are developing a further update to this analysis. Work to progress the recommendations of the Expert Panel report, particularly those recommendations requiring a priority focus in the response to COVID-19, is ongoing across all of the health agencies and stakeholders. Continued learning and understanding of progression of the disease in Ireland is an integral part of those recommendations.
More broadly, the Taoiseach has indicated that a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic over the past two years. This will help ensure that we are in a better and stronger position if another pandemic, or another similar type emergency, arrives.
Health Services
Questions (764)
Gino Kenny
Question:764. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will undertake a review of the case of a person (details supplied) to ascertain the appropriateness of their treatment a number of weeks before their death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4901/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (765)
Róisín Shortall
Question:765. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when an assessment can take place for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/22]
View answerWritten answers
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 (766)
Róisín Shortall
Question:766. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deal with the backlog in the BreastCheck national breast cancer screening programme; the reasons women under 50 years of age are not included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4905/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
BreastCheck screening appointments are currently delayed by up to one year due to the impact of COVID-19 and the pausing of services for a time during 2020 and early 2021. It normally takes about 2 years to get through a breast screening round, it will now take approximately 3 years to get through this current screening round. Importantly this is still within international norms, as countries such as England only screen every 3 years. The programme is prioritising people who would have been delayed due to COVID-19. BreastCheck aim to return to screening women every 2 years as soon as possible.
It is important to remember that screening is for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for them so that if any unusual change occurs, they will recognise it. The National Screening Service and BreastCheck have useful information in relation to self-checking breasts on their website.
The Government provided €10 million additional funding to the HSE for Cancer Screening in 2021, many of the new developments being funded will help increase capacity and enable the management of screening service users with deferred appointments due to COVID-19. This includes three new mobile screening units for BreastCheck, one of which is now operational in Roscommon since October 2021. The other two mobiles are expected to arrive in the near future.
Regarding extending the age of eligibility for BreastCheck, I am pleased to inform that, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck are now implementing the commitment on age-extension so that all women aged between 50 to 69 years are invited for routine breast screening.
Future decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, including changes to the age range, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations to me accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice. In this regard I am pleased to advise the NSAC recently held its first 'Annual Call' for submissions from the public on new screening programmes, or proposed changes to existing programmes. I look forward to updates and recommendations from the NSAC when they have concluded their consideration of the proposals received.
Your query regarding BreastCheck activity is also a service matter and therefore has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you with further details.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (767)
James Lawless
Question:767. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the way that a person that does not hold an Irish passport and has availed of two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine in two different countries can avail of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4907/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 a third country with a vaccine product authorised for use in Ireland, can apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate online at covidcertificateportal.gov.ie.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (768)
Brendan Griffin
Question:768. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when visiting hours will resume in nursing homes and hospitals given that pubs and restaurants are operating at normal hours (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4986/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has recently published “COVID-19: Normalising Access in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs)”, which will come into effect on 8 February 2022. The guidance takes account of the significant changes to national public health measures in general, whilst also recognising the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings, including Nursing homes due to the increased vulnerability of people receiving care and/or living in these settings. The guidance continues to recognise the importance of visiting and meaningful social contact for residents. This is a positive further step forward to a return to more normalised access and visiting for people living in nursing homes and their families.
Key changes of note to the guidance are as follows:
- The minimum level of visiting should normally be daily visits by up to 2 people at one time.
- The introduction of a “nominated support person”, who should normally have regular and unrestricted access to the resident in the nursing home for whom they are nominated, except if that person is a specific risk to residents (e.g., is subject to self-isolation) or there is specific public health or infection prevention and control advice to limit visitors. This will be in addition to regular visiting.
- Unless specifically advised by public health, at an early stage of outbreak, the nominated support person should continue to have access for some part of each day. If a resident does not have a nominated support person, visiting should generally not be less than 2 visits per week by one person during an outbreak.
- Limitations on visiting should be justified by an up-to-date risk assessment and should be reassessed twice each week.
- There should be no restrictions on movement of residents within the nursing home after going on outings or visits outside of the nursing home unless a significant exposure risk occurred during the outing.
- There will no longer be a need for visitors to show immunity through vaccination or previous infection.
- In line with established guidance, there remains no infection prevention and control requirement to restrict window visits.
This revised visiting guidance is yet another significant step forward in the return to more normalised access and visiting for people living in nursing homes and their families. I expect that all nursing home providers will ensure that they facilitate visiting in line with this new guidance to the greatest extent possible.
Visitors are reminded of their responsibilities with regard to self-checks for COVID-19 in advance of visits, and infection and prevention control and social interaction with others other than the resident they are visiting whilst in the nursing home.
COVID-19 is a continuing risk, especially when community transmission is high. It is appropriate that the significant infection prevention and control and public health guidance remains in place for residential care settings. The State continues to provide substantial support to aid the ongoing management of COVID-19 in these settings.
Dental Services
Questions (769)
Michael Creed
Question:769. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health his views on the number of dentists participating in the dental treatment service scheme for medical card patients; his views on the sharp decline in number of dentists participating in the scheme since 2019; the number of contracted dentists participating in the scheme who have not carried out activity under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4991/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is regrettable that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (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.
Officials in my Department met with the Irish Dental Association in December 2021 to address both of these issues. It is my Department's intention 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.
I have asked the HSE to forward the figures requested to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Questions (770)
Michael Creed
Question:770. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that contracted under the dental treatment service scheme for medical card holders in each of the years since 2016; the range of payments made to participating individual dentists for each of those years; the total cost to the Exchequer of the scheme for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4992/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.