Written Answers Nos. 127-141
127. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the way that the proposed free contraception scheme from general practitioners is to work for the young people who are targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37513/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort. My Department's Contraception Implementation Group, convened in July, 2021, has been working with partners, including the HSE, towards ensuring that the scheme will commence in late August, or early September 2022. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for this in Budget 2022.The scheme will be open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and will provide for:
- The cost of prescription contraception;
- The cost of necessary consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception options with individual patients and to enable prescription of same;
- 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;
- The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which will also be available through this scheme, including contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
The design of citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme will be finalised in the coming weeks by officials in the Department’s Press and Communications Team, the HSE’s Communications team and relevant subject matter experts.
Formal consultations with medical representative bodies with regard to service provision under the scheme have commenced and are ongoing. The legal framework for the scheme will be provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill, 2022, which was passed by the Dáil on 6th July, 2022 and will be debated by Seanad Éireann on 12th July, 2022.
128. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the number of children identifying as transgender currently receiving healthcare support, including mental health support in Ireland; the medical services from which they are receiving that support; the reason that the gender dysphoria multidisciplinary team in Crumlin Hospital must be led by a consultant psychiatrist having regard to the failure to recruit a consultant psychiatrist to date given that other equivalent services in other jurisdictions are led by a consultant psychologist or consultant endocrinologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37079/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter - the question as been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
129. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an outline of spending on the treatment of Hepatitis C across all CHOs in the country; and if he will provide an update on education programmes and support programmes available to general practitioners in relation to hepatitis C treatments in tabular form. [37672/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
130. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the progress and the plans that are in place in regard to a reduction in the age threshold for breast cancer screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/22]
View answerI 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.
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. BreastCheck invite this age category because international evidence shows the incidence and mortality from breast cancer in this age group means it is effective to screen women in this age range.
The National Screening Service (NSS) advises that BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence, which they kept under constant review.
Regarding any further changing or lowering the age eligibility for BreastCheck, it is important to note that any future decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, including reducing the age range in breast screening, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria.
It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
The Committee's first Annual Call for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes received a significant response. Following submissions received from several sources, including from BreastCheck, the Committee decided to ask HIQA to look at the evidence to extend the age ranges for breast screening. The NSAC intends to publish its full work programme later this year once it has considered all proposals submitted.
It is an important message to remind 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 breast health on their website.
131. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to expedite the process of assessment and treatment for children with disabilities given the importance of early intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37498/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
132. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on primary care psychology waiting list initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37476/22]
View answerThe Primary Care Psychology Waiting List Initiative was implemented to target a reduction in the number of children and young people under the age of 18 who are waiting more than 12 months to access primary care psychology services. The initiative consists of work being implemented across the CHOs to tackle this waiting list and includes validation exercises, increased tele-screening and tele-consults, and increased provision of individual and group workshops as appropriate.
Funding of €4m was provided in 2021, while funding of €5.5m has been allocated in 2022 under the Waiting list Action plan.
Significant progress has already been made since the commencement of this initiative, as the number of clients waiting longer than 12 months has fallen from 5,298 in March 2021 (the reference point for the initiative) to 3,963 in April 2022, a reduction of 1,335 or 25%.
More specifically, an additional 1,600 young people either accessed treatment or were removed from the waiting list between August and December 2021 as a result of the initiative.
Data for 2022 shows that the number of clients aged 18 or under waiting over 12 Months to access primary care psychology services fell from 4,431 in January to 3,963 in April. This represents a reduction of 468 (11%) to date in 2022.
As of May 2022, the HSE reports that there is a total of 294 WTE directly employed HSE Primary Care Psychology staff.
As part of the Primary Care Psychology waiting list initiative, the HSE has targeted the recruitment of staff psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychology assistants and administrative support staff, with campaigns underway across all of the CHOs.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the HSE continues to deal with non-Covid19 related health issues in an expeditious manner including hospital admissions, home care, outpatient appointments and admissions for urgent and necessary surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
134. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an institution (details supplied) does not receive any funding from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37504/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
135. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland’s abortion laws have been described by members of the United Nations Human Rights Committee as inhumane and discriminatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37648/22]
View answerThe Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018. Expanded termination of pregnancy services have been available since 1 January 2019.The Act allows termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
This is in line with the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which published its report and recommendations in December 2017.
As the Deputy is aware, prior to the May 2018 Referendum on the 8th Amendment, the General Scheme of the Bill to regulate termination of pregnancy was published. The final legislation enacted is consistent with the published proposals.
In respect of the operation of termination of pregnancy services, terminations up to 9 weeks of pregnancy are provided in the community setting by General Practitioners. There are approximately 412 GPs across Ireland providing termination services. Terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy are currently available in 11 maternity hospitals. The Department of Health continues to engage with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme in relation to plans for the further rollout of termination services in additional maternity hospitals.
Access to termination of pregnancy services is provided without charge for women who are ordinarily resident in the State.
136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to provide public chiropody services in Cork south west. [37592/22]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive, in its National Service Plan 2022, has committed to providing podiatry services to 85,866 patients in 2022.
That is almost double the number of patients seen in 2021 (44,522).
I am aware that there is currently no Podiatrist working in West Cork, despite a national campaign to fill the post. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is redirecting a Podiatrist from another area to see patients.
Those who are most urgent on the waiting list are being seen first. When all high-risk patients are seen and space in the schedule becomes available, moderate risk patients will be offered scheduled appointments.
As an interim measure Clonakilty Primary Care Centre are providing services to Community Healthcare Network 11. When all high-risk patients are seen, all remaining patients will be offered appointments in chronological order.
There is currently a National Senior Podiatrist campaign underway to fill a number of vacancies across Cork and Kerry. Positions are now being offered to successful candidates.
In addition Cork Kerry Community Healthcare intend to run a local recruitment campaign to attract eligible candidates.
It is anticipated that these campaigns should fill any posts remaining unfilled.
137. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of children for each LHO area in CHO4 who were awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the 2005 Disability Act as of 1 July 2022 or the latest date available. [37522/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
138. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent call by an organisation (details supplied) for ventilation in hospitals to be examined to ensure the safety of nurses and midwives in their workplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/22]
View answerVentilation has remained one element of the broader infection prevention and control (IPC) response over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) kept emerging evidence and guidance in relation to the modes and mechanisms of COVID-19 transmission under constant review to ensure that the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) used to mitigate and minimize the risks of viral transmission in different environments and settings (self-isolation if symptomatic, contact tracing and outbreak control, physical distancing and the avoidance of crowding especially indoors, face coverings, ventilation and hand and respiratory hygiene) were based on the best available evidence and public health experience of the management of cases and outbreaks. The NPHET’s advice to Government consistently and repeatedly highlighted the importance of ventilation as a key mitigation measure and as part of a layered approach. Appreciation of the role of ventilation has evolved in the context of developing experience and evidence. Guidance, training and measures implemented reflect this learning, and the importance of ventilation in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is embedded in Government communications.
Sector Specific Guidance for Healthcare Settings
The HSE’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Division (AMRIC) was established in early 2019, under the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer. HSE AMRIC provides expert advice on the practical and safe implementation and application of antimicrobial resistance and infection control measures in health and social care settings. HSE AMRIC guidance promotes adequate ventilation as one of a number of measures to reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
On 10th May 2022, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) published updated IPC guidance for acute hospitals and community settings:
www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/buildingsandfacilitiesguidance/Infection%20Control%20Guiding%20Principles%20for%20Building.pdf
139. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he has met with thalidomide survivors; the steps that he will take in relation to the serious issues affecting them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37649/22]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that I met with members of the Irish Thalidomide Association in February last and assured them of the Government’s commitment to continue to provide them with the necessary health supports to meet their related needs.
In addition to an initial ex-gratia lump-sum and monthly payments for life, the supports provided by the Irish State to each Irish survivor include a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means, which includes access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment and housing adaptations. There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive who liaises with Irish thalidomide survivors and assists them to access supports towards their ongoing health and personal social service needs.
Work is under way in the Department to provide these health and personal social supports on a statutory footing as committed to by the Government.
It is important to note that the German Contergan Foundation has confirmed that since 2013 it is accepting applications from individuals for compensation for thalidomide related injury. It is open to any Irish person to apply to the Foundation for assessment of their disability as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.
140. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the actions that are being taken to address the serious trolley situation at Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37456/22]
View answerI have personally witnessed the challenging conditions for patients and staff in emergency departments during recent hospital visits. I have requested that the HSE set out short-term immediate actions to alleviate the pressure on EDs and ensure that our hospitals are ready for winter. I also requested the development of a longer-term plan for reform and improvement of unscheduled care, in line with expected increases in demand driven by population growth and an aging population. This plan will build on the substantial investment over the past two years in initiatives such as additional capacity, more staff, increased home care packages and greater GP access to diagnostics. In terms of Naas specifically, 13 additional beds have been funded and are due to open at the end of the year.
I met with senior officials from the HSE recently and was updated on progress in developing plans and I instructed the HSE to urgently commence the implementation of all feasible short-term actions, in advance of finalising the plans, to mitigate pressure at each ED. We are due to meet tomorrow to further progress this priority area.
My Department and the HSE will continue to work together to develop a programme with a suite of longer-term actions to deliver systemic change to how unscheduled care is delivered.
141. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when the Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants will complete its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37193/22]
View answerThe shortage of home carers and nursing home healthcare assistants has been a great concern of mine and my Department. Following a call for submissions, I established a cross-departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group to examine factors affecting the care sector workforce in March of this year.
The remit of the Group is to identify—and formulate recommendations to address—strategic workforce challenges in the home-support and nursing home sectors. Accordingly, the Group is examining issues such as the recruitment, retention, training, career-development, and pay and conditions of front-line carers in these sectors so that solutions can be found.
To date the Group has met five times with the most recent meeting being held last week. The Group’s deliberations have been informed by a structured programme of stakeholder-engagement consisting of a series of bilateral meetings and a facilitated workshop. Engagement with key stakeholders in the home-support and nursing home sectors continues to inform the Group’s exploration of the issues arising.
In addition, the work of the Group will be informed by an evidence review of the role, function, and supply of home-support workers in four European countries, which the Department of Health has commissioned from the Health Research Board. This will provide insight into home-support workers’ employment-conditions internationally.
A report outlining the Group’s key findings and recommendations will be submitted to me by September 2022.
