Written Answers Nos. 1744-1763
1744. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the extent his Department has considered guaranteeing access to personal assistance service for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20803/22]
View answerThe Government is working to ensure that People with Disabilities be allowed to live an independent life of their own choosing, the same as any other person, and this is consistent with the disability reform policy - “transforming lives”.
The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.
Personal Assistance Services are accessed through an application process or through referrals from public health nurses or other community based staff. Individual’s needs are evaluated against the criteria for prioritisation for the particular services and then decisions are made in relation to the allocation of resources.
Resource allocation is determined by the needs of the individual, compliance with prioritisation criteria, and the level of resources available. PAServices are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.
Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services, and the Government has ensured that an additional €105 million is being provided for new disability measures this year under Budget 2022. These measures will include 120,000 additional hours of Personal Assistance supports and 30,000 additional hours of Home Supports to expand and enhance supports for people to live self-directed lives in their own communities.
The 2022 National Service Plan outlines the HSE’s commitment to deliver 1.7m hours of Personal Assistance hours to 2,587 people and 3.12m hours of Home Support to 7,326 people.
1745. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will address the need for a single standard assessment of need across the HSE and CHOs for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20804/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1746. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider requesting additional funding for personal assistant services for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20805/22]
View answerThe HSE provides a range of assisted living services, including Personal Assistance (PA) and Home Support services to support individuals to live independent lives. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services, and the Government has ensured that an additional €105 million is being provided for new disability measures this year under Budget 2022. These measures will include 120,000 additional hours of Personal Assistance supports and 30,000 additional hours of Home Support to expand and enhance supports for people to live self-directed lives in their own communities.
The 2022 National Service Plan outlines the HSE’s commitment to deliver 1.7m hours of Personal Assistance hours to 2,587 people and 3.12m hours of Home Support to 7,326 people.
1747. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of vaccines donated by Ireland through the COVAX programme, by month, since initiation, in tabular form; if he will detail the efforts of the Government to continue assisting nations struggling to contain Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20806/22]
View answerUniversal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is a priority for Ireland and the EU. Ireland has committed to donate up to 5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and over 1.88 million of these have already been delivered, mainly through the COVAX global vaccine initiative. In addition to the already donated doses, Ireland has put forward a further 2.1 million doses for donation through COVAX. The below table sets out the vaccine doses delivered through COVAX to date.
|
Delivery Month |
Doses Delivered (monthly total) |
Recipient Countries |
Manufacturer |
|
November 2021 |
496,800 |
Nigeria |
J&J/Janssen |
|
December 2021 |
511,600 |
Indonesia (235,600) Ghana (276,000) |
AstraZeneca |
|
January 2021 |
544,800 |
Indonesia (168,000) Burkina Faso (376,800) |
AstraZeneca (Indonesia) J&J/Janssen (Burkina Faso |
While vaccine supply is now abundant, global vaccination rates remain too low. Almost 59% of the global adult population has been vaccinated while the average vaccination rate for countries in Africa is just 15%. The vaccine donation landscape is becoming increasingly complex with many developing countries experiencing significant absorption, administration and hesitancy challenges that prevent matching available supply with need.
Ireland's approach to the global pandemic response focuses on the furthest behind, builds on lessons from the HIV and Ebola crises, and emphasises multilateral approaches. The pandemic response must include vaccine sharing but also enhanced investment in health system strengthening more broadly. Since the onset of the pandemic, Ireland has invested over €100 million per annum in Global Health. Ireland's financial commitment includes contributions for the pandemic response, with a deliberately sustained investment in health system strengthening to combat pre-existing conditions and better prepare for and respond to new and emerging health threats.
1748. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the funding set out in the business case provided by SOS Kilkenny to the HSE to support the wrap-around services required by a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [20807/22]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1749. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will furnish a report from the Minister for State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy on their visit on 13 April 2022 to Tallaght drugs projects; if he will now confirm when he plans to formally meet the Tallaght drugs and alcohol task force in Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20808/22]
View answerOn April 13th, I met representatives from two community drug projects in Tallaght – Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency (JADD) and Community Action Response Programme (CARP). During this visit, I also met with HSE staff and with the chairperson and coordinator of the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force. I heard firsthand about the wide range of services provided for people who use drugs in the Tallaght area. I was informed about the challenges in providing community-based services for cocaine and crack cocaine users.
In January 2022, I announced €850,000 in recurring funding for a HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. This funding will support services in delivering evidence-based interventions and will increase training opportunities for staff in addiction services nationally. It will also improve the support provided to those affected by adverse health consequences of cocaine or ‘crack’ cocaine use.
Following a review of submissions from community healthcare organisations, the HSE has allocated funding of €200,000 to CHOs 3, 4, 7 & 9. In CHO 7, €140,000 is being allocated to establish a crack cocaine specific harm reduction service in JADD and a gender specific crack cocaine programme in CARP. These new services to be added to the already existing services of JADD and CARP.
I welcome the engagement of community-based services and CHOs in developing these initiatives. This partnership approach is at the heart of the national drugs strategy.
1750. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the business cases approved by the HSE in the past five years have been paid in full to SOS Kilkenny; if not, if he will confirm the balance of funding due to SOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20809/22]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1751. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of residential places immediately available in CHO 5 for 2022; the number of priority one cases waiting for services for the same area; the planned services for the future in CHO 5 relative to those already in care and those who are awaiting services and deemed urgent; if any projected costs have been prepared to meet the current and future needs of service providers such as SOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20811/22]
View answerAs the question relates to an operational matter, I am forwarding the PQ to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy
1752. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20817/22]
View answerIreland's COVID-19 vaccination programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
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 the Department of Health based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
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 guidelines here: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
The NIAC has recently advised a second booster dose for people over 65 and people with a weak immune system aged 12 and over. The Committee will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for others in the population where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required.
1753. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he considers that hospital charges (details supplied) are exorbitant and adding to the cost of health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20818/22]
View answerPatient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the HSE’s annual National Service Plan. These charges typically include:
- Out-patient charges;
- In-patient charges; and
- Long-term stay charges.
Certain cohorts of people may be exempt from some or all of these charges. In addition, patients who opt for private in-patient services in public hospitals are liable for a range of private in-patient charges. There are no exemptions from these charges.
The charges that apply in a private hospital are the subject of negotiation between private health insurers and the health service providers. Since health insurers can negotiate with private hospitals and with consultants, it is in the insurers’ interest to negotiate the best possible rate for procedures and services that they can for their customers, as this will control their claims costs.
1754. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to give clarity to the section 38 workers; when they will receive their Covid payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20831/22]
View answerAs this question refers to an operational matter, I have asked for the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
1755. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when a new home (details supplied) in Nenagh will be completed and open to residents. [20834/22]
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.
1756. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide full details of moneys owed by his Department or the HSE to an organisation (details supplied) from any period prior to 2020; if so, the basis for this debt; if there is any current claim for moneys owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20846/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days.
1758. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when the cancer care hospital for University Hospital Galway will be approved to proceed to full design in accordance with the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20854/22]
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.
1759. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will bring an end to the practice of remote consultation for abortion advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20855/22]
View answerAs part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of Covid-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together in 2020 to put arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely. For the duration of the Covid-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it became possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e., before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise. However, with restrictions eased, the Department is currently reviewing whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post the COVID-19 public health emergency period.
At the request of the Department, the HSE conducted a review of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy. The findings of this review are currently being examined as part of a deliberative process. The consideration of appropriate next steps will form part of this process.
It is important to reflect that COVID-19 is still with us and Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on Managing Risk of Transmission of Respiratory Viruses including COVID-19, continues to advise, amongst other things, to limit footfall in General Practice settings and support telephone consultations where care that meets the needs of the patient can be delivered - this helps to eliminate the risk of transmission of viral infection. As such the arrangements for remote access to this service in the context of COVID-19 remain in place.
1760. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on (details supplied); the current waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20857/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1762. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the scope of the nationwide audit into CAMHS on the back of the Maskey report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20864/22]
View answer1763. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the article in a newspaper (details supplied) that stated the scope of the nationwide audit into CAMHS was narrowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20865/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1762 and 1763 together.
The newspaper article cited by the Deputy was incorrect.
As I publicly indicated previously, I requested the HSE to undertake a full national audit of prescribing practice in CAMHS nationwide. Following intensive discussions, the audit will be undertaken as I initially sought. It will not be confined to just ADHD. An expert team, chaired by Dr Collette Halpin, has been established. The independent team is supported by the HSE National Centre for Clinical Audit. The team is finalising the process and methodology. The main Group has met on two occasions to date with a number of sub-Group meetings having also occurred. They expect to report in Quarter 4 2022.
This is in addition to the implementation of all 35 recommendations made in the Maskey Report.
The Chief Operating and the Chief Clinical Officer in the HSE are overseeing, monitoring and reporting on implementation. They chair an Oversight Group which has met several times already and will continue to meet regularly to ensure timely progress on implementation within an overall framework. The framework is made up of 63 actions, the majority of which have already begun to be implemented.
Proposals for the audit of compliance with CAMHS operational guidelines by all CAMHS teams are being procured. Once they are assessed, a successful provider will be chosen. They will be asked to complete the audit within six months of appointment.
Work is at an advanced stage on qualitative research into CAMHS experiences . The HSE is currently in discussion with an academic team to independently conduct qualitative research on service user experience of CAMHS. The purpose of this research is to determine the lived experience of patients, families, staff and GPs who all interact with CAMHS. This research will take place at a national level and is not limited to any particular diagnosis or treatment. It is anticipated that this important piece of work will commence shortly. As this is a substantial research project it is expected that initial findings will be reported to the HSE in December 2022.
In parallel, the Mental Health Commission has commenced a it's own separate review relating to the Maskey Report. CAMHS teams over the past number of weeks have actively engaged with the Commission in conducting an independent review of CAMHS provision, as announced by the Commission in February last.
