Róisín Shortall
Question:681. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of children and young persons on waiting lists for an assessment of need by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12977/22]
View answerDisabilities Assessments
Questions (681)
Written 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 (682)
Róisín Shortall
Question:682. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for ophthalmology by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12978/22]
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 (683)
Róisín Shortall
Question:683. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for audiology by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12979/22]
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 (684)
Róisín Shortall
Question:684. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for podiatry by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12980/22]
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 (685)
Róisín Shortall
Question:685. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for community psychology services by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12981/22]
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 (686)
Róisín Shortall
Question:686. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for counselling services by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12982/22]
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 (687)
Róisín Shortall
Question:687. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for CAMHS by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12983/22]
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 (688)
Róisín Shortall
Question:688. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for dietetics by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form. [12984/22]
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 Staff
Questions (689)
Róisín Shortall
Question:689. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of allocated posts for each therapy by CHO in tabular form; the number that are currently vacant by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12985/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Health Services
Questions (690)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:690. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the funding available to set up a support group (details supplied); if grant funding is available in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/22]
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 (691)
Robert Troy
Question:691. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the measures that have been requested by an organisation (details supplied) for persons with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia will be implemented. [12995/22]
View answerWritten answers
In the recently published Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance “Public Health Advice for the management of COVID-19 cases and contacts” dated 25th February 2022, testing will no longer be required for clinical or public health purposes for otherwise healthy individuals with symptoms, with the exclusion of the following, for whom PCR testing is recommended – this is accessible via the HSE portal:
- Those who have not had booster vaccination and are aged 55 years and older
- Those with a high-risk medical condition
- Those who are immunocompromised
- Those who live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised
- Those who provide care or support for person they know to be immunocompromised
- Those who are pregnant
- Healthcare Workers
However, if patients experiencing symptoms have concerns for their health they are advised to contact their GP.
In relation to COVID-19 treatments, Interim Guidance for the Pharmacological Management of Patients with COVID-19 was published by the HSE on 14th February 2022. This guidance provides clinical advice and recommendations to the Chief Clinical Officer on the use of all existing and emerging COVID-19 therapeutic medications – this guidance is a living document which is reviewed and updated as emerging treatments become available for use in Ireland. The guidance recommends prioritising eligible patients who may most benefit from administration of these new treatments. I am advised that blood cancer patients are included in Tier 1 of this clinical guidance.
Furthermore, a system has been put in place that allows GPs to refer patients in defined high risk groups to hospital for Covid-19 therapies where indicated. An interim pathway has been communicated to GPs from the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO).
Health Services
Questions (692)
Gino Kenny
Question:692. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a legislative framework to support the rolling out of free contraception for persons aged 17 to 25 years is on track to be before the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer 2022 recess; the work that is currently taking place to address concerns regarding capacity among providers and the need for additional training and certification in long acting reversible methods of contraception in order that women and girls are offered the best possible range of options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12998/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort; roll-out is scheduled to commence in August 2022.
The scheme will provide for:
1. The cost of prescription contraception;
2. The cost of a minimum of two consultations per annum with GPs and other doctors to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same;
3. The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;
4. The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
5. Provision of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders through this scheme, to include contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
For items such as the contraceptive pill, these are typically prescribed at 6 month intervals, so two consultations allows for full provision. For LARCs, (e.g. IUS, IUD, implants, injections, patches and rings), where the fittings/injections are carried out by healthcare professionals, fitting and removal appointments are also provided for separately, in addition to the two consultations.
Work on the legislative framework for the scheme is ongoing. A number of legislative options are currently being explored in this regard. It is envisaged that the legislative framework will be in place to underpin the planned commencement of the scheme in August, as scheduled.
Formal negotiations with medical and other relevant representative bodies with regard to service provision are due to commence in March 2022. The design of information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme will be finalised in the coming months.
The capacity within the health system to fit and remove LARCs was examined by the Working Group on Contraception; the Report is available on the Department's website. At time of publication in 2019, there were over 1,000 GPs holding LARC certification and that there was scope for enabling practitioners to develop their skills further by promoting further integration between the hospital and community sector and developing local centres of expertise in sexual and reproductive health services.
As part of the Budget 2022 allocation, funds are being made available for additional training capacity with respect to certification of medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs. The HSE is currently working on preparing to roll out these additional training supports.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (693)
Niamh Smyth
Question:693. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (detail supplied) will be reviewed; the status of an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13010/22]
View answerWritten 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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (694)
Brendan Griffin
Question:694. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if Covid-19 vaccinations will be included in the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis yellow book (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13021/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has supported the development and issuance of the EU Digital COVID Certificate as an internationally recognised, standardised vaccination certificate. Each individual person vaccinated against COVID-19 in Ireland is entitled to a standardised Digital COVID Certificate recording that vaccination.
There are now 35 non-EU countries (and territories) have joined the EU Digital Certificate system, based on EU equivalence decisions. The COVID certificates issued in those 35 countries (and territories) are accepted in the EU under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate. Likewise, the EU Digital COVID Certificate is accepted by those 35 countries.
From 6th March 2022, travellers to Ireland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test upon arrival. There is also no longer any requirement to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form prior to departing for Ireland.
The International Certificate referred to by the Deputy is a record of vaccination that is a requirement when travelling to certain non-EU countries. The vaccinations included in the International Certificate are set out in International Health Regulations. The Department is not aware of any plans to have COVID-19 vaccination included in the International Certificate at present.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (695)
Robert Troy
Question:695. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the latest guidance supplied to his Department regarding the wearing of facemasks in primary and post-primary school settings; and his views on whether the publication of detailed medical advice would help to reassure those with doubts. [13023/22]
View answerWritten answers
Following its meeting on 20th January 2022, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) advised that the prevailing profile of COVID-19 in Ireland and the available evidence and experience of Omicron internationally allowed for a fundamental change in the management of COVID-19. It advised that this should entail a transition, in broad terms, from a focus on regulation and population wide restrictions to a focus on public health advice, personal judgement and personal protective behaviours.
On 17th February, the NPHET recommended the removal of remaining public health measures from 28th February, as planned, on the basis that there is no longer a continuing public health rationale for retaining them.
In providing its advice, the NPHET emphasised the reintroduction of measures in the future cannot fully ruled out and we must continue to ensure our response is agile and flexible, with an ability to respond rapidly and appropriately to any emerging threat. They further advised that there will be an ongoing requirement to be able to scale up appropriate responses quickly should they be required.
While mask wearing is no longer mandatory in certain settings including primary and post-primary school settings, the NPHET recommended that masks should still be worn in healthcare settings, and their use should continue to be advised on public transport where physical distancing can be difficult and where those who are more vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19 do not always have discretion to avoid.
The Department of Health will continue to give clear guidance and communication to the public on the evolving disease profile as well as supporting a cultural shift towards embedding individual and collective personal behaviours to mitigate against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
The NPHET letters to the Minister for Health are available to read at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/ba4aa0-letters-from-the-cmo-to-the-minister-for-health/.
You may wish to note that guidance around the wearing of face coverings in schools falls under the remit of the Department of Education.
Birth Certificates
Questions (696)
Paul Kehoe
Question:696. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing the request for a birth certificate for a person (details supplied); when it will be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13031/22]
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.
Disability Services
Questions (697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702)
Pauline Tully
Question:697. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have availed of the mobility allowance in each year since the scheme ended in 2013, in tabular form; the cost each year to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13032/22]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:698. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have availed of the motorised transport grant in each year since the scheme ended in 2013; the cost each year to the Exchequer, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13033/22]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:699. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the findings of the review group chaired by a person (details supplied) which was set up to seek up an alternative method for ensuring that the needs of persons affected by the discontinuance of both the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes can be provided for in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13034/22]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:700. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Exchequer of reintroducing and expanding both the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes in a manner which complies with the Equal Status Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13035/22]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:701. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of persons who would be eligible for the mobility allowance if it were reintroduced in a manner which complies with the Equal Status Acts; the estimated cost to the Exchequer of reintroducing the mobility allowance in a manner which complies with the Equal Status Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13036/22]
View answerPauline Tully
Question:702. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of persons who would be eligible for the motorised transport grant if it were reintroduced in a manner which complies with the Equal Status Acts; the estimated cost to the Exchequer of reintroducing the motorised transport grant in a manner which complies with the Equal Status Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13037/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 697 to 702, inclusive, together.
By way of background, two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013 to new applicants, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.
The Motorised Transport Grant operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum grant, payable once to an individual in any three-year period was €5,020. Prior to the closure of the Scheme in 2013, approximately 300 people per annum qualified for a grant an estimated cost of €1.3 million per annum. The Scheme has remained closed.
In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,532 people in receipt of the interim payments at March, 2021.
On foot of the work of the Review Group on Transport Supports for People with Disabilities to which the Deputy refers, the Government decided to establish an Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, to develop details of statutory provisions to provide individual payments to people with severe disabilities, who require additional income to address the cost of their mobility needs. In November 2013, the Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and the associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health in consultation with other relevant Ministers.
Work is continuing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities and therefore I cannot comment on the estimated number of people who might qualify for any new Scheme or indeed the estimated cost of such a Scheme. 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.
As the Deputy’s questions relating to numbers of recipients of the Mobility Allowance and related costs since 2013 are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Question No. 698 answered with Question No. 697.
Question No. 699 answered with Question No. 697.
Question No. 700 answered with Question No. 697.