Peadar Tóibín
Question:853. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of cancers by type diagnosed in emergency departments since 2014, in tabular form. [9929/22]
View answerHospital Services
Questions (853)
Written answers
In 2018, the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI), in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) published a report entitled “Diagnosing Cancer in an Emergency: Patterns of Emergency Presentation in Ireland 2002-2015”.
This Report showed that the percentage of cancers presenting as emergencies has fallen from 20% (2002-2005) to 14% (2009-2015). Based on updated NCRI analyses, and excluding cases whose mode of presentation was not known, most recently available data shows that emergency presentations accounted for 13.9% of cases diagnosed during 2015-2017. No breakdown of emergency presentation by year is yet available through the NCRI.
The National Cancer Strategy contains recommendations that specifically seek to improve awareness of symptoms. The combined approach of early detection, awareness and education campaigns (with particular focus on those most at risk), and cancer prevention measures will work to reduce the number of cancers presenting as emergencies, as well as ensuring that the public remain informed of lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Question No. 854 answered with Question No. 849.
Dental Services
Questions (855)
Johnny Mythen
Question:855. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the dental appointment waiting list in County Wexford; the average waiting time for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9934/22]
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.
Dental Services
Questions (856)
Johnny Mythen
Question:856. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that held contracts for the dental treatment service scheme in County Wexford at December 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/22]
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 (857)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:857. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a Covid-19 vaccine (details supplied) will be rolled out across the State given that it was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2021. [9939/22]
View answerWritten answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can view the updated guidelines here: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
Following the EMA granting of conditional marketing authorisation for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid (also known as NVX-CoV2373), NIAC has recommended that this vaccine can be used in those aged 18 years of age and older.
NIAC guidance received on 27th January recommended that Nuvaxovid (Novavax) may be offered to those who have a contraindication to an mRNA vaccine, or who have chosen not to receive another COVID-19 vaccine course. Specific clinical guidance on the use of this vaccine is being developed by National Immunisation Office (NIO) and the HSE will now work to operationalise these updates.
Question No. 858 answered with Question No. 756.
Departmental Communications
Questions (859)
John Brady
Question:859. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he uses an application on his official Government phone; if so, if he has the disappearing messages setting activated on the application on his phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9962/22]
View answerWritten answers
As I have previously stated I do not use text messaging or social media apps to conduct Government business.
I can confirm that I do have WhatsApp and I do not have the disappearing message setting activated on the application on my phone.
Health Services
Questions (860)
Neale Richmond
Question:860. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing those who live alone to benefit from the recent decrease to the drugs payment scheme on a pro-rata basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9971/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
The DPS monthly threshold was reduced by €14 from €114 to €100 on 1 January 2022. On 10 February 2022, the Government announced a further reduction from €100 to €80. This will be effective from 1 March 2022.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services 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 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. Persons may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
Dental Services
Questions (861)
Michael Creed
Question:861. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to orthodontic dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (862)
Mark Ward
Question:862. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there are mental health experts currently placed in children’s accident and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/22]
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 Schemes
Questions (863)
Thomas Pringle
Question:863. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when he will bring forward the replacement of the mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9713/22]
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.
Medicinal Products
Questions (864)
Neale Richmond
Question:864. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 15 February 2022, when cariban was classified as a food supplement rather than a medicine; if it was always classified as a food supplement in Ireland; the metrics under which this classification was awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to provide a status update on the ongoing work that the HSE is carrying out in relation to Cariban. The Medicines Management Programme (MMP) has submitted a clinical review and the HSE are now considering if there are potential reimbursement options based on the MMPs recommendations. I am hopeful that the HSE can achieve a positive outcome and my Department and the HSE are continuing to work closely together on this issue.
In order to address the question raised by this PQ, I need to provide an updated position on the classification of Cariban. The position previously presented by me and my Department was based on inaccurate information we received.
My officials recently contacted Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which is the competent authority for medicinal products in Ireland, to seek advice in relation to the classification of Cariban. On 18 February 2022 the HPRA advised my Department that while Cariban does contain Pyridoxine hydrochloride which, as per Directive 2002/46/EC, is permitted for use in the manufacture of food supplements, it also contains doxylamine succinate which is an antihistamine. Therefore, the HPRA has said that Cariban is classified as a medicinal product, not a food supplement. Furthermore, Cariban is classified as a medicinal product as it meets the definition of a medicinal product under Article 1 of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended by Directive 2004/27/EC.
The HPRA have also advised that Cariban is currently not licensed for use in Ireland. There are three similar products, Xonvea (doxylamine 10 mg and pyridoxine 10 mg), Navalem (doxylamine 10 mg and pyridoxine 10 mg) and Doxylamine/Pyridoxine Exeltis 10 mg/10 mg gastro-resistant tablets (doxylamine 10 mg and pyridoxine 10 mg) that are licensed for use in Ireland. However, the companies holding the authorisations/licences have not marketed the products in Ireland to date, and the HPRA cannot compel a company to market a medicinal product. Similar to Cariban, all three of these products are classified as medicinal products, not food supplements.
I sincerely apologise to the House for presenting information in relation to the classification of Cariban that I now know to be inaccurate. Unfortunately, I only became aware that the information was inaccurate in recent days.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (865)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:865. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if any progress has been made rolling out continuous glucose monitors or flash glucose monitors to persons living with type 1 diabetes recognising the better blood glucose control they offer and potential to reduce long term complications as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9990/22]
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.
Dental Services
Questions (866)
Cathal Crowe
Question:866. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason for a discontinuation of dental treatment for medical card holders in Kilrush, County Clare; when he expects this service to be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9991/22]
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 (867)
Seán Canney
Question:867. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he intends to lift the mandate for mask wearing in national schools for children and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9993/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the NPHET met on 17 February and it has provided advice to Government in relation to remaining public health measures. These measures include the requirements for mask wearing in all settings where currently regulated for under Statutory Instrument as well as public health measures in schools, early learning and care facilities. Government will make a decision on this shortly.
Question No. 868 answered with Question No. 825.
Health Service Executive
Questions (869)
Alan Kelly
Question:869. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide copies of all general written directives issued to the HSE executive or board under section 10 (1) of the Health Act 2004 in the past five years. [10011/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Health Service Executive
Questions (870)
Alan Kelly
Question:870. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if copies of all documents furnished to the HSE under section 10A (3) of the Health Act 2004 in the past five years will be provided, specifying priorities to which the HSE must have regard in preparing or amending its service plan or specifying performance targets for the HSE in respect of those priorities. [10012/22]
View answerWritten answers
To support the development of the National Service Plan by the HSE, documentation has been issued to the HSE setting out an annual statement of priorities. Copies of relevant material requested by the Deputy will be collated and a full response will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Questions (871)
Alan Kelly
Question:871. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if copies of all documents consisting of or relating to matters (details supplied) will be provided. [10013/22]
View answerWritten answers
The provisions of the Health Act 2004 (as amended) quoted by the Deputy provide me with a number of legislative powers including directing the HSE to amend a submitted National Service Plan, amending an approved National Service Plan and the submission of Capital Plans. Copies of all this documentation 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.
Health Service Executive
Questions (872)
Alan Kelly
Question:872. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his policies and objectives (details supplied) which relate to the functions of the HSE and that were communicated in writing to the HSE being policies and objectives to which the HSE was obliged to have regard in preparing its current service plan and its current capital plan. [10014/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.