Seán Sherlock
Question:1195. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the HSE to respond on a matter (details supplied). [55311/22]
View answerHealth Service Executive
Questions (1195)
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.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (1196)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1196. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on funding for ceiling track hoists following the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage advising that this adaptation should not be included in housing adaptation grants in late 2020; and when a resolution to this funding issue can be expected to ensure that persons can access a service required to meet their health, safety and personal needs. [55313/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities to meet their needs. There are also a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical and surgical needs.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability assist people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The scheme is administered by local authorities under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Applications to the Health Service Executive for a wide range of aids and appliances are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under the Health Act 1970 (as amended). These applications are made under the Community Funded Schemes and are considered by Resource Allocation Groups within each Community Health Organisation. A determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets. These aids and appliances play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community. The Community Funded Schemes have not generally funded fixed ceiling-track hoists given the need for structural adaptations necessary to install them and, also, that they had been funded under the Housing Adaptation Grants.
In late 2020, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage offered guidance to local authorities that fixed ceiling-track hoists should not be included in the Housing Adaptation Grants. Engagement is ongoing between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this matter – with a view to resolving the difficult issues involved as soon as possible and ensuring that people receive the services they require.
Departmental Funding
Questions (1197)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1197. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to University Hospital Kerry under the winter plan; the way in which this compares to other hospitals in the South/Southwest Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55321/22]
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 (1198)
Paul Donnelly
Question:1198. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll out out-of-hours crisis cafés across the State; the locations of each; and when they will be up and running. [55332/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Questions (1199)
Paul Donnelly
Question:1199. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the screening of teeth for the 2022-23 second and fourth class students has commenced; and if not, when this will take place. [55333/22]
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 (1200)
Cathal Crowe
Question:1200. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 27 October 2022, the fully staffed annual testing capacity of the new national cervical screening laboratory; and the tendering process which prevents the HSE from disclosing the total cost of sending samples abroad for testing in each of the past five years. [55361/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
State Pensions
Questions (1201)
Paul Kehoe
Question:1201. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the way in which he arrived at the conclusion that the increase in the State pension rates in budget 2023 would not make a substantial difference to the outcome of the assessment process for the medical card; the analysis, if any, that was carried out; the way in which it demonstrated that there would not be a cohort of persons aged 70 years or older who would lose their medical card as a result of gaining €12 per week to their income in Budget 2023; the estimated cost of raising the income thresholds in line with the increase to the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55375/22]
View answerWritten answers
For persons aged 70 or older, the medical card assessment is based on gross income. The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. It should be noted that people aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. In addition, Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, such as the current medical card income thresholds under review, including in relation to Budget 2023 discussions and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant. More generally, Government considered and agreed the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2023 based on the broader general economic and overall fiscal outlook.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1202, 1228, 1231)
Ivana Bacik
Question:1202. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns that Covid swabbers who are due for redeployment after 21 November 2022, will be unpaid during the Christmas period; if he can confirm that all swabbers whose contracts end on 21 November 2022 will be redeployed; the criteria that was applied to determine the contracts which would be extended through to 23 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55412/22]
View answer
Paul Murphy
Question:1228. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55503/22]
View answer
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1231. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarity on reports that Covid testing services in counties Louth and Meath will cease from 22 November 2022; the plans to deal with expected surges in winter Covid numbers, given that the National Ambulance Service is already under-resourced to adequately deal with such large numbers of testing in the large populations' centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55532/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1202, 1228 and 1231 together.
I have accepted updated advice from the Chief Medical Officer relating to COVID-19 Testing, Tracing and Surveillance which has also been approved by the Government.
In the coming weeks, the HSE will be adopting a targeted approach for COVID-19 testing which will be based on a clinical assessment where a clinician requires the result to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient. Swabbing will be undertaken by GPs in these circumstances. Testing will also take place where deemed necessary by Public Health in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk.
Based on the revised public health advice, community swabbing will no longer be a feature of our COVID-19 response as testing will no longer be recommended for the general population. The implementation of this advice will reduce the scale of testing and contact tracing around the country and is leading to consolidation of resources in the period ahead, including the closure of community testing facilities which will no longer be required. The HSE has also developed extensive plans for surge and emergency responses for future requirements for testing and tracing should that need be identified. This includes additional resources that I have provided to the National Ambulance Service to recruit permanent Intermediate Care Operatives who will be deployed for swabbing purposes should the need arise to reintroduce community swabbing in the future but who will be deployed on ambulance service duties in the meantime.
The contractual arrangements relating to staff employed by the HSE as community swabbers is an operational matter which is the responsibility of the HSE. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible in relation to this matter.
The approach to COVID-19 testing is facilitated by the high level of vaccine-induced and naturally acquired population immunity in Ireland. This is mitigating against the worst impacts of infection.
I have also provided additional resources to the HSE to ensure enhancements are put in place to existing infectious disease surveillance systems. This will ensure effective monitoring and signalling of what is happening with the virus at population level, and so that we can understand disease transmission and severity along with population immunity and risk.
The pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 is still a concern so testing remains an important part of our ongoing response to the disease for individuals vulnerable to its effects and for whom testing is indicated. For everybody, continuing to follow our public health advice available on hse.ie is still important. Anybody who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 is advised to seek advice from their GP or treating clinician.
My Department, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), overseen by the Chief Medical Officer, continue to review the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in Ireland and internationally. This includes the on-going close monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and assessment of any potential threat to population health.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1203)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1203. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the reason that some community Covid-19 swabbers have been advised their employment will cease in November 2022, despite assurances of redeployment and agreements related to pay and conditions; and if action will be taken to ensure that those impacted will continue in employment. [55416/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1204)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:1204. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the definition of 'continuing care' mental health services, with particular reference to staff client ratios; if he will identify in each CHO the name and location of mental health residential services that are specifically designed as 'continuing care', excluding other forms of residential services such as 'high support hostels'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55417/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1205)
Holly Cairns
Question:1205. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the staff shortage in Cork Maternity University Hospital. [55433/22]
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 (1206)
Holly Cairns
Question:1206. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number and types of roles currently vacant in Cork Maternity University Hospital. [55434/22]
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 (1207)
Holly Cairns
Question:1207. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure that workers in section 39 organisations are placed on the same pay scales as workers in section 38 organisations. [55435/22]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the very important role that Section 39 organisations and staff play in our health sector, particularly in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.
While the Government does provide assistance, under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, to organisations that provide services similar or ancillary to services that the HSE may provide, it must be acknowledged that these organisations are privately owned and run and that their terms and conditions of employment, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between private sector employers and their employees. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration provided for in these Agreements, including Building Momentum.
The pay of public servants was cut by the FEMPI reductions in 2010. While FEMPI did not technically apply to community and voluntary organisations, savings were made by those organisations including, in many cases, pay cuts.
An agreement was reached at the WRC in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 Section 39 agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance was paid in 2020 and 2021. A further WRC engagement followed in December 2020 in relation to a final phase of 250 organisations who were identified as part of the earlier agreement. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021, and the third and final payment due to be made in 2023.
I believe a process similar to that conducted for pay restoration could play a useful role in providing solutions to the current pay-related issues that Section 39 organisations have raised.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1208)
Holly Cairns
Question:1208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure that workers in section 39 Health Act 2004 organisations can apply for secondments within the HSE. [55436/22]
View answerWritten answers
Staff employed in agencies funded under Section 39 Health Act 2004 are not public sector employees, and as such, it is not possible for them to apply for public sector secondments.
Animal Diseases
Questions (1209)
Duncan Smith
Question:1209. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on public health warnings in relation to the persistent avian 'flu' and if he is aware of best practice on this matter (details supplied). [55438/22]
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.
Infectious Diseases
Questions (1210)
Duncan Smith
Question:1210. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that similarly increased vulnerability also applies to infants, toddlers and very young children with regard to the national warnings to the general public posted on various Government Department websites, and to the additional vulnerability of infection and disease to elderly and immuno-compromised persons that is highlighted in the advice, and persons with open skin wounds/lesions (details supplied); if so, if he will consider having the advices amended accordingly, published appropriately, and to include appropriate measures to mitigate such risks. [55439/22]
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 (1211)
Duncan Smith
Question:1211. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the full-year funding amount in the HSE service plan for progressing disability services for children and young people; the amount of this funding that has been spent to date; and the amount of this 2022 funding, including unspent funding, that will be transferred to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth under the transfer of functions. [55442/22]
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 (1212)
Michael McNamara
Question:1212. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the contractual or other legal basis for the effective demotion of a registered general nurse (details supplied) employed by the HSE mid-West; if that information can be provided directly to the person affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55446/22]
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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1213)
Joe Carey
Question:1213. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55449/22]
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (1214)
Charles Flanagan
Question:1214. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the status of early intervention support for a four-year-old child (details supplied) with autism who is currently waiting for over two years for their final assessment, given that this is a requirement in order to secure a place in a school with an autistic unit and they cannot join the waiting list for schools without having their full diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55452/22]
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.