Written Answers Nos. 819-838
820. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address what the World Health Organization Global Report on Ageism states is evidence of ageism in the provision of long-term care of older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8104/22]
View answerIreland's National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS, 2013) is grounded in, and consistent with, the international developments in relation to ageing. The World Health Organisations 'Active Ageing – A Policy Framework (2002)' was the theoretical underpinning for this strategy. As a result, Ireland's strategy aligns in many areas with the World Health Organisations 'Global Report on Ageism' and the framework for action.
In 2022, the Department of Health will be establishing a Commission on Care. The work of the Commission on Care will include an assessment of NPAS to ensure it is addressing the diverse needs of todays older citizen. Ageism is one of the key pillars of NPAS and will be examined under the Commission on Care to ensure enough is being done to prevent and counter ageism in all care settings.
821. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if nurses, such as those who work in a registered charity (details supplied) which has a service level agreement with the HSE, will be included in the proposed health care bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8106/22]
View answerFirstly 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.
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.
Finally I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter however you will understand that the Department of Health cannot comment on individual cases.
822. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the number of dental practitioners by county; and the number of same who accept medical card patients, by county (details supplied). [8107/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
823. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 373 of 4 November 2021 and with reference to the lack of evidence to provide for a move towards limiting the maximum permissible quantity of cigarettes to 20 sticks, if he will encourage the commission of a report to ascertain the likelihood that packs of more than 20 cigarettes lead to increased consumption in Irish smokers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8115/22]
View answerCurrently I have no plans to encourage the commission of a report to ascertain the likelihood that packs of more than 20 cigarettes lead to increased consumption in Irish smokers. My Department continuously monitors the emerging evidence on all aspects of tobacco use.
824. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure adequate services are provided given the increasing prevalence of dementia in Ireland which is projected to increase and more than double in the next 20 years. [8116/22]
View answerI have long been an advocate for the development of services for people with dementia and their families and this is representative in the focused investment in these supports and services in recent years. A key commitment of the Programme for Government is to continue implementing the National Dementia Strategy with an aim of improving dementia supports and services so that people living with dementia can live well for as long as possible.
Building on the increased investment made in 2021 in community based dementia services, I secured an additional €7.3 million in budget 2022 for dementia services. Further developments will focus on the areas of memory assessment and support services, memory technology resource rooms, the implementation of a dementia registry and the national intellectual disability memory service.
In addition the proportion of new home support hours that will be ring-fenced for people with dementia will more than double from 5% in 2021 to 11% in 2022. Taken together, this will represent €15 million of increased investment dedicated to dementia in 2022 to supplement the €12.9 million of additional funding in 2021.
Funding in 2021 allowed for substantial advancements in the areas of:
- Enhanced Memory Technology Resource Rooms in 9 sites across the country
- Dementia diagnostic services through a specialist regional memory clinic in Cork and four new memory assessment and support services in Mayo, Wexford, Waterford and Sligo
- Enhancement of acute care pathways for people with dementia through the recruitment of more clinical nurse specialists
- The implementation of a National Clinical Guideline on the appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia
- Increased access to in-home day care and support and
- Dementia: Understand Together initiatives
In addition, in November 2021 I officially launched an expansion of the National Dementia Advisor Service. The Dementia Adviser Service provides a key focal point to help people navigate the health and social care system, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time. I was delighted to secure funding for 11 new dementia advisers in 2021, to expand this vital service. This brought the total number of dementia advisers to 28 nationally.
In relation to the projected increase in the numbers of people living with dementia, a national risk reduction working group was co-convened by the National Dementia Office and HSE Health and Wellbeing. This group will run a campaign as part of Brain Health Awareness month in March and has collated important information on brain health from the recent public attitudes survey on dementia. In addition, a Brain Health project manager post will commence in 2022 to support the delivery of actions from this group and support national campaigns and programmes to incorporate dementia risk reduction.
It is estimated that up to 40% of dementia prevalence worldwide is preventable. The national risk reduction working group published a document titled “key messages on dementia risk reduction” in 2019. Identified risk factors for dementia include smoking, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, depression, social isolation, alcohol etc. National campaigns (such as Quit smoking; askaboutalcohol; mental health campaigns; healthy eating and active living) all help to address the risk factors that are associated with dementia.
In addition, key messaging on brain health and risk reduction have been incorporated as part of dementia awareness training, within the Dementia Understand Together in Communities programme. The Memory Assessment and Support Services funded in 2021 and 2022 as part of the National Service Plan will have a dedicated Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) for brain health. A further service that will also be of interest in relation to Brain Health is Tallaght University Hospital’s Brain Health Service which runs as part of their Specialist Memory Service.
825. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he intends to change the Covid-19 testing rules to allow persons aged four to 39 years of age to access HSE PCR testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8120/22]
View answerTesting and contact has been a key component of the Government’s response to the pandemic. Under the guidance of the National Public Health Emergency Team, the HSE has developed a comprehensive and reliable testing and tracing system.
From January 3rd, following advice from the Chief Medical Officer, those aged between 4 and 39 who have symptoms of COVID-19 have been advised to conduct antigen tests which can be booked online and delivered to the person’s home. People with an underlying health condition and who have symptoms of COVID-19, are advised to talk to their GP. PCR testing remains in place for those most at risk, including older age groups, and those identified by their GP as requiring PCR testing.
Consideration is currently being given to the future role of testing and tracing as the need evolves to move from extensive case finding and tracing of infection aimed at reducing transmission, to one primarily focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19, particularly for those most vulnerable to the effects of the disease and for those with risk factors for severe disease who may benefit from specific interventions.
The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance.
826. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons under 40 years of age who have not yet been boosted due to testing positive for Covid-19 in the previous 90 days, are unable to access services in some European Union states as they are unable to obtain a digital Covid certificate of recovery before travel due to current PCR testing rules in Ireland; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a test certificate does not permit access to services in some states; his views on same; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8121/22]
View answerThe EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation creates a framework for the issuing, authentication, and validity of certificates. The scope and parameters for issuing the certificates is laid out in Regulation (EU) 2021/953.
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.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is not a travel document or a requirement for travel, but rather a record of a medical event which can make freedom of movement with the European Union easier. Any persons who wishes to travel to another EU country or access services aboard should familiarise themselves with the requirements of that country.
827. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans and the actions under way to restructure his Department; the measures that will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/22]
View answerUnder the Public Service Management Act, the Secretary General of the Department of Health has the authority, responsibility and accountability for a range of functions, including the assignment of staff within an appropriate structure to facilitate an effective response to matters that pertain to the Department, while ensuring cost effective public services.
A new Statement of Strategy for the Department is now in place and the Secretary General has established a review which is examining how best to structure the Department and to prioritise the assignment of its available and sanctioned staffing, in order to effectively progress its strategic business priorities over the coming years.
It is anticipated that implementation of the outcome of the review will commence during 2022.
831. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8143/22]
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.
832. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who presented to hospitals with poisoning from codeine in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8144/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
833. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were prescribed methadone suboxone as a substitute for codeine in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8145/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
834. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce financial supports for persons receiving IVF treatment in the assisted human reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8162/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a commitment to “introduce a publicly funded model of care for fertility treatment” is included in the Programme for Government. The model of care for infertility was developed by my officials in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme in order to ensure that infertility issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.
This model of care comprises three stages, starting in primary care (i.e., GPs), extending into secondary care (i.e., Regional Fertility Hubs) and then, where necessary, tertiary care (i.e., IVF and other advanced assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatments), with patients being referred onwards through structured pathways.
Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care has involved the establishment, at secondary care level, of Regional Fertility Hubs within maternity networks, in order to facilitate the management of a significant proportion of patients presenting with infertility issues at this level of intervention. The completion of Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care, envisaged before the end of this year, will result in operational Regional Fertility Hubs in each of the six Hospital Groups across the country.
Phase Two of the roll-out will see the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF, in the public health system, but will not commence until such time as infertility services at secondary level have been developed across the country, required resources have been allocated and the AHR legislation commenced.
Publication of the Bill to regulate the area of AHR is a priority for the Government and officials in my Department and the Office of the Attorney General are continuing to engage intensively in order to finalise this legislation, which encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in this jurisdiction. I expect to be in a position to bring a Memorandum to Government seeking approval to publish the Bill in the coming weeks.
While advanced AHR treatment, such as IVF, is not currently funded by the Irish public health service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. Given the costs associated with certain fertility medicines, I understand that these schemes can have a material impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of them.
In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access IVF, or other advanced AHR treatment, privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.
Nevertheless, my Department and the Government is fully committed, through the full implementation of the model of care for infertility, to ensuring that patients always receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the public health system. The underlying aim of the policy to provide a model of funding for AHR, within the broader AHR regulatory framework, is to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.
836. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of having fully staffed mental health teams in each CHO across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8173/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
837. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of re-instating a National Director of Mental Health reporting directly to the CEO of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8174/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
